Rinchi
TechInAfrica – The Zimbabwean-based high-tech company, Next Africa is cooperating with a global satellite provider, Yahsat to offer off-grid internet access in the peri-urban and rural communities of Zimbabwe.
The internet access offered by Next Africa is powered by solar energy. It aims to support their services that are based on satellite. There will no extra cost required for this service. Additionally, the company will also give supply to the hardware in order to get connectivity.
Regarding this project, Next Africa has its main purpose to support the idea of connecting these “off grid” communities who seek out for better digital information. These off-grid Zimbabwean communities are including common citizens, from young people to adults, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs.
According to the Founder and CEO of Regain 37 PVT Ltd, Tawanda Jonathan Mushawedu in an interview at Zimbabwe Smart Sustainable Cities initiative, a Smart Education is the first step to create a world-class citizen, thus, these underserved communities also deserve to get access to digital information. Regarding this, Regain has figured all of the major local ISPs to distribute internet access in some major spots, including schools, clinics, and vocational training centers.
Partnering with X-Sat Global Group, 37 PVT Ltd focuses on supplying the technology, software, and hardware. Meanwhile, the local ISP partners provide the last mile internet access and support for the project.
This partnership furthermore means to provide optimal internet access and devices that enable students both in public and private schools to take advantage of internet access through real-time devices.
Jonathan Mushawedu stated: “Next Africa is looking at providing e-learning tools to more than 6000 of our 9000 public schools in Zimbabwe,”
In term of the payment method, the internet service provider uses a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) method for its customers. This method is set lower cost compared to the other current services providers.
